Fabregas: ‘I expected more from Como’ in disappointing 0-0 with Udinese
Cesc Fabregas admits he ‘expected more’ from Como after their 0-0 draw at Udinese and that Alvaro Morata ‘is disappointed because he wanted to play more.’
The Lariani had won five on the bounce and seemed unstoppable in their march towards an extraordinary Champions League qualification.
However, that could all change after they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw away to Udinese, a game with very few scoring opportunities.
Fabregas lists Como errors in Udine
“Both teams had difficulties finding spaces, it was a very tactical game and nobody really took the initiative,” Fabregas told DAZN Italia.
“Nonetheless, we had two big chances to score and that is important. In general, I didn’t like the way the team played in possession, there were many players who were below par today. At the same time, Udinese created very little danger and we kept our 15th clean sheet.”
Como are still in fourth on 58 points, now four clear of Roma, but if Juventus beat Genoa this evening, they will move to within a point of the ambitious minnows.
Atalanta can also threaten to get back into the race going into the final seven rounds of the Serie A season.
“Let us not forget that Roma, Napoli, Atalanta and Fiorentina all lost here. Some of my internationals also had long journeys over the last few days, as a coach I have to take that into consideration,” insisted the coach.
“When you are in these situations, it is important not to lose and not to concede, even if I am the first to admit that I expected more.”
What was it about the performance that Fabregas did not appreciate from his team?
“The possession, transitions, vertical passes, we didn’t play the ball with pace, we didn’t do the right preventative marking, and we did not win the duels. Against a physical and experienced side like Udinese, you pay for that.”
The struggle to create scoring opportunities made it a surprise that Fabregas at one point took off Tasos Douvikas, leaving them with no centre-forward, until Alvaro Morata was introduced late on.
“Morata is motivated, you saw his attitude when he came on. He is certainly disappointed because he wanted to play more this season, I would be too in his position, but I always say the important thing is the quality of the minutes you get on the field, not the quantity,” replied the coach.
“This is the change of mentality I want all players in the world to adopt, seeing as there are five substitutions now and so many games. Morata is helping the team, he is starting to get back to his level.
“We are a family here, we all have our journey, but they will all be important for me this season.”